Chapter 1

CHAPTER 1

SEREN

“ I thought you were the dog!” I shriek, weaving through the manicured garden, trying to hold back laughter as a blur of movement snaps at my heels. “I swear, I didn’t know you had gotten your wolf, Max!”

“Sure,” the thirteen-year-old barks back, his voice dripping with teenage sarcasm. “So, you decide to splash water on the family pet ? I thought you’d have more empathy for your own kind, Seren! But I guess not.”

I shoot a glance over my shoulder and see him brandishing the hose, eyes glinting with mischief. The water pressure strains against his palm, ready to burst.

“Your future alpha’s gonna lose it if he finds out you messed with his…uhm…” I pause, searching for the word, but I’m too late. The icy water explodes out of the hose, slamming into my back and smashing the breath out of my lungs.

I spin around, soaked to the bone, to find Max doubled over with laughter, the hose dangling from his hand .

“Welcome back, alpha’s hen!” he crows before shifting back into his brown wolf and disappearing into the forest. Shivering, I rub my arms and curse under my breath. I have to get inside before I turn into a Popsicle.

Ella’s sharp commands echo down the kitchen corridor near the staff quarters, through air filled with the aroma of toasted bread and fresh rosemary. “Crisp, not burnt, mind you! Line them all up on a paper napkin. Next course in ten!”

The next course?

My eyes widen as I glance at the clock. Damn it! I’m late to the brunch with the Briar Ridge pack leaders.

As I bound up the stairs two at a time, I think about alternate outfits, since the one I picked is soaked.

Ten minutes later, I’m sprinting down the stairs again, but this time I cut through the grand foyer of the Blackwood Estate.

A deep breath steadies my racing heart as I reach the glistening oak door. I plaster a practiced smile on my face before I carefully push it open.

“So sorry I’m late,” I offer, while quickly walking over to the only unoccupied chair at the table. But there is no place setting there, and everyone is already halfway done with their meal.

A pang of hurt shoots through me, but I quickly push it down before it can show on my face. Gripping the back of the chair for support, I project a cheerful smile. “Well, I hope you’re all enjoying the brunch. Is there anything I can get for anyone?”

Before it can get even more awkward, there’s a loud “Coming through!” from beyond the doorway. Ella walks in with her two helpers, wheeling in a trolley laden with steaming dishes. I immediately start to slip away, planning to sneak out of the room while everyone’s distracted by the arrival of more food, but Luna Marie’s hand clamps around my wrist.

“Dan, move your chair a bit, darling,” she instructs her husband, who gets up to make room for me. “Ella, bring that extra chair over here.” Turning to me, she adds, “You’ve been away for three years, so I forgot. Come, sit next to me.”

As everyone starts moving to make space for me, I wish the earth would open and swallow me whole.

I grab the last muffin from a basket just before Ella clears it and quickly take my seat, putting it on a napkin so no one has to find me a clean plate.

“I’m actually not very hungry, but I would love the company.” I smile and look around, trying to find a familiar face.

“What a warm energy,” the regal, red-haired woman says. I think she’s the Briar Ridge Luna. “I’m sorry we haven’t met before, sweetheart. Are you part of the family? Or maybe Luna Marie’s…?” Her voice trails off, searching for the right word as she realizes I don’t have a wolf scent.

Luna Marie’s smile widens as her hand reaches out to gently clasp mine. “This is Seren. She grew up here at the estate.” Her voice takes on a defensive edge. Alpha Dan doesn’t say a word.

The room buzzes with quiet conversation as a knot tightens in my stomach.

I’m the only human in this hundred-acre estate.And no, I’m not family.

The words are on the tip of my tongue. But I smile, straighten my shoulders, and silently break my blueberry muffin in half. I’m going to be here awhile, and I need sugar to survive this.

“Alright everyone, there’s been a change of plans,” Alpha Dan says, leaning back in his chair. “Theron just finished up early, so now he should be home by five. So.” He gestures toward the guests. “You folks were just talking about the coffee project, right? Perfect timing. He’ll be the one spearheading that. You should stay and get acquainted with him.”

My heart slams against my ribs. My fingers instinctively move to touch the silver wolves dangling from my ears—a birthday gift from him. Theron is finally coming home, and I look like a complete mess.

I pick at my muffin, smiling, until Ella barges in with the dessert. Seizing the distraction, I stand up. “I just remembered that a friend was supposed to call me. I should take it outside.”

Luna Marie nods and I don’t waste a second, rushing straight to my room. My hair is wet, my limbs hairy, and I don’t have a thing to wear.

Rifling through my cupboard, I yank clothes off hangers, flinging them onto the bed, my frustration growing as the pile does: jeans, T-shirts, hoodies…none of them right for meeting Theron. My three years of college life, gathered into a wrinkled mess, stare back at me. There’s a beautiful floral dress at the back of the closet, but it’s faded and everyone has seen me in it.

Everyone except Theron.

I pull it out and hold it up in front of the mirror. Maybe if I accessorize it well, that would distract from how faded it is. I frown as my phone rings, but I answer immediately when I see the name flashing on the screen .

“Ren, baby, we finally did it! The homeowner closed the deal with our final offer. We can move in by September!”

Jane’s voice is practically vibrating with excitement, and I can’t help but let out a loud whoop. “Fucking finally! I’m so happy for you guys. I hope your name is on the deed too?”

“Yeah.” Her voice drops an octave. “I still feel iffy about it, but I’ll be paying my share of the mortgage, so I guess it’ll be okay.”

“Gunner is good for you,” I say, remembering the way her boyfriend treats her. I wonder if I’ll ever have that: someone who includes me in his decisions, makes time for me, and most importantly, is loyal.

“Listen, Dade wanted me to tell you that Cushman and Sedgwick didn’t come for campus recruitment, but they’ll be hiring in two months. In case…you know you’re his favorite student, so…”

I flop onto the bed while staring at my reflection in the mirror. “Nah. I’ll find something here. It’s only been a week since I got back, so I’m not freaking out yet. And I know Mammoth Lakes isn’t NYC, but I’m sure I’ll find something decent.”

“Listen, babe, Gunny is here. I’ll catch you later, okay?”

After we hang up, I push the clothes to the side, throw my head back down, and exhale a sharp breath. Leaving New York to return to Mammoth wasn’t a decision I’d made. It was a given. I want to contribute here. I want to give back to the community and the Blackwoods by doing something good.

And I want to be close to Theron .

I take my time primping and polishing, and an hour before Theron’s arrival, I’m almost ready. I’m looking through my stash of costume jewelry when I notice a bag hidden in the back of the closet. It’s the dress I’d bought for Theron’s nineteenth birthday. I never had a chance to wear it because that year he didn’t come home for his birthday. In fact, he hasn’t returned even once since his eighteenth birthday. It’s why the dress is still in the bag, and unlike what I’m wearing right now, it’s not faded.

I immediately switch my dress and sit by the massive picture window, where I can wait and watch the winding road leading up the hill. Unlike the other bedrooms, which face the gardens or the lake, I chose this one. I was eleven then, but I still think I made the right choice. There’s always some movement, something new to look at. And at night, with all the lights on, it feels like a magical trail that could lead anywhere in the world, promising freedom and endless possibilities. Most nights, I fall asleep here in the window seat. There’s a sense of comfort that no other place in this house gives me.

While I stare at the road, a memory flashes through my mind.

“Beautiful, isn’t it?” Theron murmurs, his voice a low rumble beside me as we sit on the old log.

I turn to him, a genuine smile on my lips. “Always.”

His hand brushes against mine, sending a jolt of electricity through me. He squeezes lightly, his eyes holding mine. “There’s something I want to show you. ”

He stands, a playful glint in his eyes as I murmur, “What?”

My heart skips a beat as I start to rise alongside him, but he presses his hand down on my shoulder, pushing me to remain seated.

“Wait here,” he says, disappearing behind the thick trunk.

A moment later, a low growl pierces the silence. I gasp, fear gripping me. Hesitantly, I stand, and before I can decide whether to run or hide, a massive wolf emerges from behind the tree. His fur is raven-black and his eyes are piercing blue, just like Theron’s. I gasp.

“Oh my God! It’s your wolf!”

Without an iota of fear, I run my fingers over his head, just as I do with his human form. The wolf chuffs, dipping his head under my hand repeatedly. I giggle before leaning in and placing a kiss on his furry forehead. The wolf races back behind the tree and within moments Theron is back, wearing only his boxer shorts. I put my arms around him.

“Thank you for trusting me.”

Theron has a wide grin on his face. “His name’s Titan. Isn’t he magnificent?”

I nod and he leans in, his face a breath away from mine. Our lips are practically touching. I can hear my heartbeat in my ear, thudding so loud it drowns out all other sounds.

“He likes you,” he whispers. His warm breath makes me feel so hot inside that my eyes close.

Then, his lips meet mine.

The kiss is warm, wet, electric. I feel like I’m flying.

I hold on to his arms for support, since my legs are about to give up on me .

He pulls away too soon, but his eyes hold mine. A knowing smirk plays on his lips.

“Was that your first kiss?” he asks, his voice husky.

I can only nod again, my cheeks burning. His smirk widens, and he whispers, “Good.”

The word is jarring. But before I can react, he pulls me into another kiss. His arms tighten around me, keeping me flush against him. One of his hands is behind my neck, holding me in place as his tongue massages mine.

I melt into his possessive embrace. My heart is in a state of ecstasy.

The sound of a car horn breaks the spell. I look around and notice the sky has started to darken, and the lights along the hill are already on. It must be at least six. Is he here? There’s only one person I’m willing to ask for that information.

I find Ella by the kitchen, putting the dishes away. I pull her into a hug.

“Ella Bella, your son is turning into a menace. He hosed me down today.”

“You mean after you sprayed him and called him a dog?” she asks.

I pull away. “Whoa! He totally twisted my words. And it’s nice to see you jumping on his side!”

She chuckles. “Both sides are equal to me. And it’s nice to see you pretending to care about other things when we both know what you’re here for.”

I cringe, but bite my tongue. I hate lying .

“He arrived in town two hours ago, but went straight to the packhouse. Everyone went to meet him there.”

The stupid butterflies in my stomach disintegrate.

Ella turns and cups my chin. “It’s more logical for him to finish all his work before coming home, isn’t it?”

I stretch my lips into a forced smile.

“Not that you asked, but the Briar Ridge couple took their bags when they went to see him. Their suite has already been cleared out.”

I look at her, watching the amusement dancing in her eyes before she gets back to work.

“He’ll be home for dinner,” she announces as I’m leaving.

Instead of going back to my room, I head to my favorite place on the estate. My poor old log is covered in moss and dead leaves. I try to clean it a bit before sitting down. I hug my knees to my chest, waiting for him to return. Ella’s words replay in my head.

There’s always a logical reason, an explanation that makes it all okay. But doubts creep in. Does my return to Mammoth Lakes matter to Theron? Do I matter to him?

But staying away is impossible. It’s like trying to hold back the water gushing from a hose with your bare hands.

My eyes widen when my gaze drifts to the west wing. All the lights are on. There is a faint sound of music…and a reflection of someone by the window.

Forgetting everything else, I make my way back into the house, second-guessing my appearance. I’ve got moss on my dress and I’m sure some of my makeup is gone. I’m running my fingers over my dress when I bump right into a firm chest. The impact is hard and the scent of pine needles engulfs my senses. I look up to see a familiar, raven-haired man with piercing blue eyes.

“Theron.”